In a joint statement, the two Haredi factions said that, on the instruction of Torah sages, the law will include only the first declarative clause establishing Torah study as a fundamental value of the Jewish people. They rejected additional sections requested by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Likud, saying those can be advanced in separate legislation.
Degel HaTorah and Shas issued a joint statement Thursday afternoon, on the instruction of their Torah sages, agreeing to limit the Basic Law: Torah Study to its first declarative clause and rejecting additional sections requested by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Likud. The statement confirms the parties' united stance on the bill, resolving a key point of contention in coalition negotiations.
The Zioneer's coverage on Tuesday evening (July 7, 20:43 Jerusalem) tracked the rapid evolution of positions: initial reports indicated the Haredi parties had rejected a declarative-only version of the law, insisting on a 'practical' bill that would grant rights to Torah scholars. Later reports that same evening showed Prime Minister Netanyahu proposing a declarative-only version, which Degel HaTorah opposed while Shas deliberated. Within the same hour, reports shifted to the parties leaning to accept the proposal, and finally, Coalition Chairman Ofir Katz reached an agreement to delete Section 2, the operative clause. The joint statement Thursday formalizes that agreement.
The Basic Law: Torah Study has been a central issue in coalition talks for weeks. The Ministerial Committee for Legislation approved the bill on June 9, and the Knesset held a first-reading debate on July 1, as The Zioneer reported. The law aims to declare Torah study a fundamental value of the Jewish people, but disputes arose over whether to include operative provisions equating Torah scholars with IDF soldiers.
The joint statement does not specify the exact wording of the declarative clause or whether the bill will face further amendments in subsequent readings. The response of Likud and the possibility of advancing the rejected sections in separate legislation remain unaddressed.
7 developments
- DevelopingDegel HaTorah Opposes Changes to Torah Study Basic Law, Warns Coalition Legislation May Be Blocked
- DevelopingShas and Degel HaTorah deny any deal with Prime Minister Netanyahu
- DevelopingShas and Degel HaTorah Torah Study Basic Law bills diverge in Knesset vote schedule
- StrongMinisterial committee approves Basic Law: Torah Study; Haredi parties call it merely declarative without equal-status clause
Source and signal
- Internal intake